House Bill No. introduced by M. Vinton aims to revise Montana's gambling laws by updating the definition of "internet gambling" to explicitly include online casinos and cryptocurrency as forms of gambling. The bill specifies that internet gambling encompasses any legal or illegal gambling enterprise conducted through communications technology, allowing users to place bets using various forms of currency, including cryptocurrency. It also clarifies that online casinos that do not permit the use of currency are not considered gambling activities and are therefore allowed.

Additionally, the bill revises the disposal of fines collected for violations of gambling laws, directing that these funds be deposited into the operating budget of the Department of Justice instead of the state general fund. It increases the penalties for soliciting participation in illegal gambling activities, changing the classification from a misdemeanor to a crime punishable under specific sections of the law. Furthermore, it establishes felony criminal liabilities for individuals who operate illegal internet gambling sites within the state, including those using licensed or unlicensed offshore sources.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
HB0639_1(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
HB0639_1(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
HB0639_1(3): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
HB0639_1(4): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
HB0639_1: 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162